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Graduate Aerodynamics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Relativity Space

Senior Thermal Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$109K - $150K/yr

The team works across the full launch system, from trajectory design and aerodynamics to ... Graduate degree in engineering or related field * 8+ years experience in thermal analysis

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How much do graduate aerodynamics jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate aerodynamics in the United States is $94,162.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does an aerodynamicist make?

An aerodynamicist's salary varies by experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $60,000 to $120,000 annually. Entry-level positions often start around $60,000, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn over $100,000. Knowledge of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools and a relevant engineering degree are common requirements.

What kinds of projects and responsibilities can a Graduate Aerodynamics Engineer expect in their first year?

As a Graduate Aerodynamics Engineer, you'll typically be involved in supporting wind tunnel testing, analyzing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) data, and assisting with the design and optimization of aerodynamic components. You'll often work closely with senior engineers, design teams, and sometimes manufacturing, collaborating to ensure aerodynamic performance goals are met. Early on, you may rotate between different projects or departments to gain a broad understanding of the company's processes and technologies. This exposure helps build foundational skills and can lead to more specialized roles as you progress.

What does a Graduate Aerodynamicist do?

A Graduate Aerodynamicist is an entry-level engineer who applies principles of aerodynamics to design, analyze, and improve the performance of vehicles or aircraft. Their work typically involves using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools and wind tunnel testing to optimize shapes for reduced drag and increased efficiency. They collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve complex engineering problems and contribute to the development of new technologies in the aerospace, automotive, or motorsport industries. This role often requires strong analytical skills and a solid foundation in fluid mechanics and mathematics.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced aerospace engineers, including senior roles in aerospace companies or defense contractors, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and stock options. Such compensation typically requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities in specialized fields like aerodynamics or propulsion systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graduate Aerodynamics Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Aerodynamics Engineer, you need a solid background in fluid dynamics, mathematics, and engineering principles, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, wind tunnel testing, and data analysis tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you collaborate on complex projects and present technical findings clearly. These skills and qualities are crucial for designing efficient aerodynamic solutions and contributing to innovative engineering advancements.

What is the difference between Graduate Aerodynamics vs Graduate Mechanical Engineer?

AspectGraduate AerodynamicsGraduate Mechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsDegree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, or Mechanical Engineering with focus on aerodynamicsDegree in Mechanical Engineering, often with specialization in design, thermodynamics, or materials
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, aerospace companies, or simulation centersManufacturing plants, design firms, or R&D departments
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace, aviation, and defense sectorsBroad industry sectors including automotive, energy, and manufacturing

Graduate Aerodynamics and Graduate Mechanical Engineer roles share foundational engineering skills but differ in focus. Aerodynamics specialists concentrate on airflow, fluid dynamics, and aircraft performance, while Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope including mechanics, materials, and systems design. Both roles are common entry points in engineering careers, often requiring similar educational backgrounds, but their industry applications and daily tasks vary significantly.

What degree do you need to be an aerodynamicist?

To become an aerodynamicist, a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field is typically required, with many roles preferring a master's or doctoral degree for advanced research or specialized positions. Strong skills in physics, mathematics, and computational tools are also important for success in this field.
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Graduate Aerodynamics jobs near you
2026 Graduate - Hypersonics Engineer - Vehicle Design and Technologies

2026 Graduate - Hypersonics Engineer - Vehicle Design and Technologies

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 59 rated research

Job description

Description
Does hypersonic vehicle design sound like a fun challenge? How about missiles, UAVs, and roto-craft?
If you are graduating with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering and want to innovate and be part of the Vehicle Design and Technologies Group - we design the future!
Join our multidisciplinary team of experts across vehicle design disciplines including propulsion, aerodynamics, thermal, advanced materials, mechanical and structural engineering. We investigate basic science and transition it into state of the art vehicle technology enabling innovation and revolutionary new designs. Your research will be applied to conceptualize, design, and prototype advanced vehicles and weapons to meet critical national and warfighter needs.
Depending on your areas of interest, some of the ways you can contribute are:
  • Predict and model the aerodynamic characteristics of various air-vehicle configurations including hypersonic re-entry vehicles, supersonic and hypersonic air-breathing concepts, and subsonic fixed-wing or rotorcraft unmanned air vehicles (UAVs).
  • Perform multi-fidelity analysis using commercial and in-house CFD and thermal software in support of vehicle aerothermal design and analysis across various flow regimes from subsonic to hypersonic.
  • Plan and execute ground tests and design models for various wind tunnel and arcjet facilities. Conduct post-test analysis to validate numerical predictions then create and improve high fidelity models.
  • Design future conceptual vehicles, performing detailed multidisciplinary system analysis including integration with launch platforms.
  • Optimize hypersonic propulsion designs including inlet design, flowpath analysis, system integration, test, and evaluation.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering
  • Have strong communications and collaboration skills
  • Are able to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have intern experience in the aerospace industry designing or evaluating vehicle performance
  • Have demonstrated leadership skills

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$85,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$165,000 Annually

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